Festive Season 2022: Big Hearts’ social impact across the community

Big Hearts looks back at the support provided to the local community in December 2022 and how the charity will continue responding to the cost of living crisis in the New Year.

After a busy festive activity, the Big Hearts’ office will be closed from 24^th December until 3^rd January inclusive.

In December 2022, the Hearts’ official charity shaped their support services differently to better support the adults and children involved in Big Hearts’ 12 programmes; and to help other organisations do more for the communities in South-West Edinburgh.

We would like to thank Hearts’ fans, Club staff and Big Hearts’ volunteers for their continued support in making a positive difference over  Christmas.

Main social impact:

• 2 Free Festive Meals hosted in the Hearts’ European Lounge for over 80 older people, as part of the SPFL Trust ‘Festive Friends’ initiative.
• 131+ food hampers distributed across the community, each providing long life shelf products to be enjoyed at home during the festive holidays.
• Over 1,000 age-specific presents donated for disadvantaged young people living in South West Edinburgh – these were distributed by our charity partner Cash for Kids.
• 3 Free Warm Welcome Lunch in the 1874 Bar provided throughout December to any member of the public needing a hot meal in a warm space – hosted in partnership with the charity Cyrenians.
• 123+ football and charity supporters involved in Big Hearts’ Kindness Appeal across November-December – providing a helping hand, donating their time or specific items needed.
• Over 600 hours of volunteering completed by individual Hearts fans as part of our award-winning ‘Big Hearts Supporters’ programme.
• £3,200+ in crisis vouchers distributed to struggling local families, offering emergency financial support ahead of Christmas Day.
• £900 in crisis vouchers distributed to 18 young people living in temporary accommodation, and supported by the Edinburgh homeless charity Four Square.
• £6,900+ in small grants distributed to neighbour charities and grassroot groups to help them expand free activities and food provision to Gorgie-Dalry residents during the winter months.

Help us achieve more!
Our work supporting those facing hardship and loneliness will continue over the winter months. This includes our Winter Lunch Club with Cyrenians (resuming 11th January, 12-2pm at the 1874 Bar) and more crisis grants to families in low incomes across South West Edinburgh.

You can help support our efforts by:
– Entering our Winter Raffle: Get in with the chance to win exciting prizes, including signed Hearts items. The draw will take place on 4^th January 2023. Enter on this link.
– Donating to our Christmas Appeal: 100% of the funds will be used by Big Hearts to deliver free services focused on mental health, social connections and equal opportunities. Visit the page here.

To find out more about making a donation to Big Hearts, visit our Donations page.